Students will submit a 2-page proposal for an individual media-related ethnographic project. The proposal should include a description of the phenomenon to be explored, a primary research question, and the methods planned for use. Proposals will be peer-reviewed, with guidance from the instructor, to assess viability and ethical considerations. This component evaluates students' ability to develop a coherent research proposal, formulate a research question, and justify their methodological choices.

Students will conduct participant observation and document their findings through various means (e.g., handwritten notes, digital recordings). They will submit a 2-page excerpt of their field notes, along with a brief paragraph reflecting on how these observations relate to the broader themes and research questions of their project. This assignment assesses students’ engagement in observation and their ability to document and reflect on their findings comprehensively.

Students will conduct an interview with a research participant, either in person or remotely, focusing on a specific subject, occurrence, or broader life-history. They will record, transcribe, and submit a 2-page summary reflecting on the interview process, setting, and the knowledge gained in relation to their project. Alternatively, students may submit a 2-page ethnographic portrayal of the interviewee, incorporating direct quotes. This assignment evaluates students’ interviewing skills and their ability to analyze and present the interview data.